Coca-Cola recalls products in Europe over chemical concerns

Coca-Cola has announced an urgent product recall due to concerns over higher-than-permitted levels of the chemical chlorate. 

The recall, affecting several European markets, follows routine testing that identified elevated chemical traces in certain beverages. 

This is not the first time the drinks giant has faced such issues. 

In 2021, Coca-Cola South Africa recalled Appletiser from shelves after discovering elevated levels of patulin—a mycotoxin produced by moulds—in some batches of the sparkling apple juice.

The latest recall includes multiple products such as Fuze Tea, Fanta, Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Tropico.

South African products have not been affected by the latest recall. 

Chlorate, a by-product of chlorine-based sanitisation processes, is strictly regulated due to its potential to interfere with iodine absorption, which can impact thyroid function, according to Food Standards Agency (FSA) Scotland.

The recall has affected products stored in both cans and bottles, including light and zero-sugar versions, across Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Coca-Cola representatives in Belgium have yet to determine the exact number of affected drinks.

In a statement, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners clarified: "The recall is focused on Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, where the majority of affected products have been withdrawn from sale. 

“Routine testing identified that certain products contained elevated levels of chlorate. Independent expert analysis concluded that the likelihood of any associated risk of feeling temporarily unwell from consuming these products is very low."

Among the affected drinks are a small number of imported cans, including Appletiser, Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero. Consumers can identify these products by checking the base of the can for production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE.

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